Modular arrangement for a convertible bag

ABSTRACT

A convertible bag includes a body including an exterior portion and an interior portion defining a storage area therebetween. An opening is formed in the exterior portion providing access to the storage area. A storage module is at least partially received within the storage area of the interior portion of the body of the bag. One or more caddies are at least partially received within and removably secured to the storage module. The one or more caddies define one or more exterior surfaces and a storage compartment defined in an interior region of the one or more caddies configured to receive and retain at least one item. At least one retention mechanism releasably engages a portion of the one or more caddies to removably secure the one or more caddies to the storage module in the storage area of the interior portion of the body of the bag.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a convertible bag and more particularly to amodular arrangement for use in combination with the convertible bag.

BACKGROUND

Bags, such as diaper bags, messenger bags, computer bags, backpacks,purses and the like, include an interior region for storing items withan exterior including a handle, grip and/or one or more straps that maybe used by a person to carry the bag and its contents. Frequently, bagsare designed to serve multiple purposes and include one or moreconfigurations to allow the bag to be carried based upon need andpurpose.

For example, the bag may be configured as a messenger bag with a strapreleasably connected or fixedly connected to portions of the bag toallow a person to place the bag over their shoulder. Alternatively, thebag may include one or more generally vertical straps that are arrangedto be placed over each of the person's shoulders to position the bagadjacent the person's back for a backpack configuration or arrangement.

The interior portion or storage area of a bag may be configured forspecific purposes as well. Many bags include a pouch or other receivingarea sized to receive larger items, such as a wallet, notebook,computer, tablet, phone or the like and one or more pockets provided inthe pouch sized to retain smaller items such as coins, keys, cosmeticsand the like. It is common that bags may be created for a singlepurpose. Thus, a person may have multiple bags each configured for aunique purpose that may not be adjustable to perform other carryingfunctions.

SUMMARY

A convertible bag includes a body including an exterior portion and aninterior portion having a first panel, an opposing panel, a bottom panelextending between and cooperating with the first and second panels, afront panel extending between the first and second panels and anopposing back panel. The interior portion of the body defines a storagearea therebetween. An opening is formed in the exterior portion of thebody of the bag that provides access to the storage area.

A storage module is at least partially received within the storage areaof the interior portion of the body of the bag. The storage moduleincludes a housing having a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall,and a back wall extending between and cooperating with the first andsecond sidewalls, the first and second sidewalls and back wallcooperating to define an opening therebetween that cooperates with theopening in the exterior portion of the body.

One or more caddies are at least partially received within and removablysecured to the storage module. The one or more caddies define one ormore exterior surfaces and a storage compartment defined in an interiorregion of the caddies configured to receive and retain at least oneitem.

At least one retention mechanism includes a first portion configured toreleasably engage a portion of the storage module housing and a secondportion configured to releasably engage a portion of the one or morecaddies to removably secure the one or more caddies to the storagemodule in the storage area of the interior portion of the body of thebag.

The storage module may include a bottom wall extending between andcooperating with the first and second sidewalls, and the back wall and afront wall disposed opposite the back wall and extending between thefirst and second sidewalls. The storage module may include at least onechannel formed in one or more surfaces of an inner periphery of thestorage module housing and at least one divider at least partiallyreceived and supported by the at least one channel. The at least onedivider extends at least partially through the inner periphery of thehousing of the storage module to divide the inner periphery into atleast a first storage area and a second storage area.

The at least one retention mechanism includes a body extending betweenthe first and second portions, a first arm extending from the firstportion and spaced apart from the body to define an opening therebetweensized to receive the portion of the housing of the storage module, and asecond arm extending from the second portion and spaced apart from thebody to define an opening therebetween sized to receive the portion ofthe one or more caddies. The at least one retention mechanism mayinclude a first fastening member cooperating with and extending from aportion of the housing of the storage module and a second fasteningmember cooperating with and extending from a portion of the one or morecaddies. The second fastening member is configured to at least partiallyengage the first fastening member to removably secure the one or morecaddies adjacent the housing of the storage module.

The convertible bag may include one or more compartments disposed on atleast one surface of the exterior portion of the body of the bag. Theone or more compartments may include an auxiliary pouch including ahousing having a first side cooperating with the front panel of the bag,an opposing second side, an interior storage area defined between thefirst and second sides and a closure arrangement provided on each of thefirst and second sides cooperating to seal the interior storage area.

The one or more caddies may include a first sidewall, an opposing secondsidewall, a front wall extending between and cooperating with the firstand second sidewalls, a back wall opposing the front wall extendingbetween and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a bottomcooperating with the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposingfront and back walls and an opening disposed opposite the bottom formedbetween the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposing front andback walls. The one or more caddies may be formed of rigid polymericmaterials or may be formed of pliable synthetic materials.

The one or more caddies may include a first sidewall, an opposing secondsidewall, a front wall extending between and cooperating with the firstand second sidewalls, a back wall opposing the front wall extendingbetween and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a bottomcooperating with the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposingfront and back walls and a top at least partially enclosing the storagecompartment disposed opposite the bottom. The storage compartment may beconfigured to receive and retain perishable items therein.

In another embodiment, a storage arrangement for use in an interiorportion of a convertible bag includes a storage module including ahousing having a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, and a backwall extending between and cooperating with the first and secondsidewalls. The first and second sidewalls and back wall cooperate todefine an opening therebetween that cooperates with the opening in theexterior portion of the body. One or more caddies are at least partiallyreceived within and removably secured to the storage module.

The one or more caddies define one or more exterior surfaces and astorage compartment defined in an interior region of the caddyconfigured to receive and retain at least one item. At least oneretention mechanism includes a first portion configured to releasablyengage a portion of the storage module housing and a second portionconfigured to releasably engage a portion of the one or more caddies toremovably secure the one or more caddies to the storage module in thestorage area of the interior portion of the body of the bag.

The storage module includes a bottom wall extending between andcooperating with the first and second sidewalls and the back wall and afront wall disposed opposite the back wall and extending between thefirst and second sidewalls. The storage module includes at least onechannel formed in one or more surfaces of an inner periphery of thestorage module housing; and at least one divider at least partiallyreceived and supported by the at least one channel. The at least onedivider extends at least partially through the inner periphery of thehousing of the storage module to divide the inner periphery into atleast a first storage area and a second storage area.

The one or more caddies include a first sidewall, an opposing secondsidewall, a front wall extending between and cooperating with the firstand second sidewalls, a back wall opposing the front wall extendingbetween and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a bottomcooperating with the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposingfront and back walls and an opening disposed opposite the bottom formedbetween the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposing front andback walls.

Alternatively, the one or more caddies include a first sidewall, anopposing second sidewall, a front wall extending between and cooperatingwith the first and second sidewalls, a back wall opposing the front wallextending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, abottom cooperating with the opposing first and second sidewalls andopposing front and back walls and a top at least partially enclosing thestorage compartment disposed opposite the bottom, wherein the storagecompartment is configured to receive and retain perishable itemstherein.

In another embodiment, a convertible bag includes a body including anexterior portion and an interior portion having a first sidewall, anopposing second sidewall, a bottom wall extending between andcooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a front extendingbetween the first and second sidewalls and an opposing back wall. Theinterior portion of the body defines a storage area therebetween.

One or more compartments are disposed on at least one surface of theexterior portion of the body of the bag. The one or more compartmentsinclude an auxiliary pouch including a housing having a first sidecooperating with the front wall of the bag, an opposing second side, aninterior storage area defined between the first and second sides and aclosure arrangement provided on each of the first and second sidescooperating to seal the interior storage area.

An opening is formed in the exterior portion of the body of the bag thatprovides access to the storage area. A storage module is at leastpartially received within the storage area of the interior portion ofthe body of the bag. The storage module includes a housing having afirst sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, a back wall extendingbetween and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a bottomwall extending between and cooperating with the first and secondsidewalls and the back wall and a front wall disposed opposite the backwall and extending between the first and second sidewalls,

The first and second sidewalls, front wall and back wall define anopening therebetween that cooperates with the opening in the exteriorportion of the body. At least one retention mechanism includes a firstportion configured to releasably engage a portion of the storage modulehousing and a second portion configured to releasably engage a portionof the one or more caddies to removably secure the one or more caddiesto the storage module in the storage area of the interior portion of thebody of the bag.

The storage module may include at least one channel formed in one ormore surfaces of an inner periphery of the storage module housing and atleast one divider at least partially received and supported by the atleast one channel. The at least one divider extends at least partiallythrough the inner periphery of the housing of the storage module todivide the inner periphery into at least a first storage area and asecond storage area.

The at least one retention mechanism includes a body extending betweenthe first and second portions, a first arm extending from the firstportion and spaced apart from the body to define an opening therebetweensized to receive the portion of the housing of the storage module, and asecond arm extending from the second portion and spaced apart from thebody to define an opening therebetween sized to receive the portion ofthe one or more caddies.

Alternatively, the at least one retention mechanism includes a firstfastening member cooperating with and extending from a portion of thehousing of the storage module and a second fastening member cooperatingwith and extending from a portion of the one or more caddies. The secondfastening member is configured to at least partially engage the firstfastening member to removably secure the one or more caddies adjacentthe housing of the storage module.

The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages ofthe present disclosure, will be readily apparent from the followingdetailed description of the embodiment(s) and best mode(s) for carryingout the described disclosure when taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of at least one configuration of theconvertible bag, according to the disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a top view of the convertible bag shown with the bag in aclosed position;

FIG. 2B is a top view of the convertible bag shown in an open positiondisplaying the bag interior;

FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the convertible bag;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an auxiliary section of the convertible bag;

FIG. 5A is a top view of the auxiliary section of the convertible bagshown in a closed position;

FIG. 5B is a top view of the auxiliary section of the convertible bag inan open position displaying the bag interior;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modular arrangement sized to be atleast partially received within the convertible bag in accordance withthe disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a first housing configurationof the modular arrangement receiving at least one divider and one ormore caddies that may be releasably secured to the housing;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a second housing configurationof the modular arrangement receiving at least one divider and one ormore caddies that may be releasably secured to the housing;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fastening member configured for use inthe modular arrangement;

FIGS. 10A-10C are side sectional views of the fastening member mated toa portion of the one or more caddies;

FIGS. 11A-11B are side sectional views illustrating the fastening memberreleasably securing the one or more caddies to a portion of the housingof the modular arrangement;

FIGS. 12A-12D are views of an alternative fastening member releasablysecuring the one or more caddies to a portion of the housing of themodular arrangement;

FIG. 13A is a front perspective view of a diaper caddy for use in theconvertible bag illustrated in a stored position;

FIG. 13B is a rear perspective view of the diaper caddy for use in theconvertible bag illustrated in the stored position;

FIG. 13C is a top plan view of the diaper caddy in the stored position;

FIG. 13D is a side sectional view of a changing pad receiving area in aside surface of the diaper caddy;

FIG. 14A is a front perspective view of a diaper caddy for use in theconvertible bag illustrated in a deployed position;

FIG. 14B is a top plan view of the diaper caddy in the deployedposition;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a changing pad at least partiallyreceived in the receiving area in a side surface of the diaper caddy;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the changing pad illustrated in astored position;

FIG. 15C is a perspective view of the changing pad illustrated in adeployed position;

FIG. 16A is a front perspective view of a cooler caddy for use in theconvertible bag illustrated in a stored position;

FIG. 16B is a rear plan view of the cooler caddy;

FIG. 16C is a top plan view of the cooler caddy for use in theconvertible bag illustrated in a deployed position;

FIG. 16D is a front perspective view of the cooler caddy illustrating anupper portion in a deployed position exposing an interior region of thecaddy; and

FIG. 16E is a perspective view of the cooler caddy illustrating an upperportion in a deployed position exposing an interior region of the caddyand at least one pocket formed therein to receive a cooling element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of thedisclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wheneverpossible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in thedrawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts orsteps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale.For purposes of convenience and clarity, directional terms such as top,bottom, left, right, up, over, above, below, beneath, rear, and front,may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directionalterms are not to be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure inany manner. The elements shown in the Figures are not to scale orproportion. Accordingly, the particular dimensions and applicationsprovided in the drawings presented herein are not to be consideredlimiting.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers correspond tolike or similar components throughout the several Figures, an exampleconvertible bag 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-4. The bag 10 is shown as adiaper bag, however, any bag is contemplated, including, but not belimited to, diaper bags, backpacks, messenger bags, travel bags,briefcases, purses, duffle bags, garment bags, handbags, totes, computerbags, camera bags, roller bags, luggage or the like.

The bag 10 generally includes a body 12 including an exterior portion 14and an interior portion 16 therein. The exterior portion 14 of the bag10 may be constructed from cotton, polymeric materials, leather, nylonor other synthetic materials. The interior portion 16 of the bag 10 mayalso be constructed from natural materials such as cotton, leather,suede and the like or man-made materials such as polymeric materials,nylon, rubber or other synthetic materials. The materials used toconstruct the exterior portion 14 and interior portion 16 of the body 12of the bag 10 may further include decorative patterns, a combination ofmaterials, use of a variety of textures and other decorative features.

With references to the Figures, the body 12 of the bag 10 may beconstructed in a variety of geometries and configurations. In oneexemplary embodiment, the body 12 of the bag 10 includes a first sidewall or panel 18 and an opposing second side wall or panel 20. The firstand second panels 18, 20 may extend generally vertically relative to abottom panel or wall 22 extending between and cooperating with first andsecond side panels 18, 20. The body 12 of the bag 10 further defines aforward or front panel or wall 24 extending between the first and secondpanels 18, 20 and an opposing back or rear panel or wall 26. The panels18, 20, bottom panel 22, and front and rear panels 24, 26 combine todefine a storage area in the interior portion 16 of the bag 10therebetween.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, one or morecompartments 28 may be incorporated in at least one surface of theexterior portion 14 of the bag 10. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and2A, the bag 10 includes a first compartment 28 provided on the exteriorportion of the first panel 18 and an opposing second compartment 30provided on the exterior portion of the second panel 20. Compartments28, 30 may include openings 32 provided in a top surface sized toreceive and removably secure items such as a sunglass case, phone,liquid bottle or the like. Alternatively, the interior of thecompartments 28, 30 may be enclosed to secure items therein.Compartments 28, 30 may further include a pocket (not shown) that isaccessible through a fastening arrangement, such as a zipper 34 or thelike. In one non-limiting example, the pocket may be sized to receive apackage of disposable wipes therein.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2A, 4 and 5A-5B, the one or more compartmentsmay include an auxiliary pouch 36 disposed proximate to the front panel24 of the body 12 of the bag 10. The auxiliary pouch 36 may be formed aspart of the body 12 of the bag 10 or may be coupled to be removablysecured to the bag 10 by fasteners such as zippers, magnetic typefasteners, snap fasteners, and hook and loop fasteners among others.Alternatively, the auxiliary pouch 36 may be integrally formed into thefront panel 24 of the bag 10.

The auxiliary pouch 36 includes an interior storage area 38 accessiblethrough an opening 40 in a portion of the pouch 36. A closurearrangement 39 cooperates with the first and second sides 48, 50 of thepouch 36. It is understood that the opening 40 may be sealed to enclosethe interior storage area 38 of the pouch using a closure arrangementsuch as a zipper 39 or the like. The interior storage area 38 of thepouch 36 includes one or more pockets 42 formed therein that areconfigured to receive and store items therein, such as writing utensils,portable electronics, identification cards and the like.

The auxiliary pouch 36 includes a housing 44 having a first side 48 thatcooperates with and may be removably securable to the front panel 24 ofthe bag 10 and an opposing second side 50. The second side 50 of thehousing 44 may be adjustably connected to the first side 48 by at leastone support 52 extending between the first side 48 and second side 50 tolimit the travel of the second side 50 away from the first side 48.

The interior storage area 38 and one or more pockets 42 of the auxiliarypouch 36 may be constructed of natural materials such as cotton,leather, suede and the like or man-made materials such as polymericmaterials, nylon, rubber or other synthetic materials. An exteriorsurface 54 of the second side 50 of the housing 44 may further includeone or more sleeves or pockets 56 therein. As with the one or morepockets 42 in the interior portion 16 of the pouch 36 of the bag 10, thesleeves 56 are sized to receive and secure items therein and may furtherinclude pockets 46 inside of the sleeve 56.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2A and 3, one arrangement for the convertiblebag 10 includes one or more straps 58 attached to one or more areas ofthe exterior portion 14 of the body 12 of the bag 10. The one or morestraps 58 are may be arranged and configurable to allow the bag 10 to betransported by a user, including, but not limited to, a handle, abackpack style strap, a double strap, a shoulder strap, a single overthe shoulder strap, or the like.

In the configurations shown in FIGS. 1, 2A and 3, the one or more straps58 are arranged in a backpack style configuration and include a firststrap 58 and a corresponding second strap 60, wherein each of the straps58, 60 extend generally vertically from and are connectable to an uppersurface of the back panel 26 and a lower surface of the back panel 26.The straps 58, 60 may each include a sleeve 61 sized to retain itemstherein. The two straps 58, 60 may be slung over the shoulders of a userto distribute the weight of the bag on the shoulders of the user tocarry the bag 10 like a dual-strap backpack.

The bag 10 may additionally include one or more rings 62 disposed on theexterior portion 14 of the body 12 of the bag 10. As shown in theFigures, the one or more rings 62 may be disposed on the first andsecond panels 18, 20 of the bag or may disposed on alternative portionsof the bag 10, including a top panel or flap 64. The one or more rings62 may be configured as connection points to releasably secure itemssuch as keys, containers and the like.

Alternatively, the one or more rings 62 may be positioned on the bag 10to be coupled with a connector extending from one or more ends of astrap. The strap may be coupled by the connector, cable clip or be tiedor secured to the rings 62 to form a knot such that the strap may bepositioned over the user's shoulder such that the bag 10 hangs adjacentto the user's side, lower back, or stomach in a messenger bag or diaperbag arrangement.

A handle 66 may be provided on an exterior portion 14 of the bag 10,such as the back panel 26 or the top panel 64 to allow the bag 10 to becarried by the user by grasping the handle 66. As with the bag 10, thehandle may be formed of a variety of materials that may be similar ordissimilar to the materials used for the exterior portion 14 of the bag10. A retaining member 68 may extend at least partially across the backpanel 26 of the bag 10 in a generally horizontal direction. Theretaining member 68 may include opposing ends secured to the back panel,thereby creating an opening (not shown) between an inner portion of theretaining member 68 and the back panel 26 to allow a retractable handleof a suitcase or other item to extend therethrough to secure the bag 10to the suitcase handle or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, the bag 10 includes an opening 70formed in the exterior portion 14 of the body 12 of the bag 10. Theopening 70 cooperating with and provides access to the storage area inthe interior portion 16 of the bag 10. In one embodiment, the opening 70is defined by an upper edge 72 of the first panel 18, an upper edge 74of the front panel 24, an upper edge 76 of the second panel 20 and anupper edge 78 of the back panel 26.

A cover or flap 64 may be removably secured to at least one surface ofthe body 12 of the bag 10, such as the exterior portion 14 and/or theinterior portion 16 of the bag 10. Flap 64 extends from the exteriorportion 14 of the bag 10 to at least partially cover or enclose theopening 70 in the body 12 of the bag 10. It is understood that theopening 70 may be provided in other areas of the exterior portion 14 ofthe body 12 of the bag 10 to provide access to the storage area of theinterior portion 16 of the body 12. For example, the opening 70 may beprovide in the front panel 24 of the body 12 of the bag 10.

The flap 64 may be secured to the bag 10 by a fastening arrangement,generally referenced by numeral 80. In one non-limiting example shown inFIGS. 2A-2B, one or more of the upper edges 72, 74, 76, 78 of the bag 10include a first fastening member 82 that releasably engages and securesa second fastening member 84. It is contemplated that the first andsecond fastening members 82, 84 may be formed to corresponding matingand receiving surfaces to ensure interconnection between the fasteningmembers 82, 84.

The first and second fastening members 82, 84 include mating portions ofa fastening arrangement that may be actuated to position and secure theflap 64 adjacent the upper edges 72, 74, 76, 78 of the bag 10 to atleast partially enclose the interior portion 16 therein. While afastening arrangement such as a zipper, is illustrated, it is understoodthat other closure arrangements, such as a hook and loop fasteners,snaps, clips, male/female connectors, magnets and the like may also beused to position and secure the flap 64 adjacent the bag 10 between atleast an open or detached configuration and at least one attached orclosed configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, the storage area of the interior portion 16 ofthe bag 10 is described in greater detail. One or more rings orconnectors 86 may be disposed on one or more inner portions 88 of thefirst panel 18, second panel 20, bottom panel 22, front panel 24 and/orback panel 26 of the interior portion 16 of the body 12. The interiorportion 16 of the bag 10 may include one or more pockets 90 formedtherein and sized to receive items. One or more of the inner portions 88of the panels 18, 20 or front and rear panels 24, 26 may further includea pocket (not shown) that is accessible through a fastening arrangement,such as a zipper 92 or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-11, a first non-limiting example of a storagemodule for use with the convertible bag 10 of the disclosure isdescribed in greater detail. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the bag 10 may beformed in various shapes, dimensions and configurations whileaccomplishing the purposes of this disclosure. In FIG. 6, the bag 10 maybe formed as a tote bag that includes a body 12 having an exteriorportion 14 including a first panel 18, an opposing second panel 20, abottom panel 22 extending between the first and second panels 18, 20 anda front panel 24 and opposing back panel 26 extending between the firstand second panels 18, 20 to define and interior portion 16 of the bag 10therebetween.

The storage module 100 illustrated in FIG. 6 may include a housing 102sized to be at least partially received and retained within the storagearea of the interior portion 16 of the body 12 of the bag 10. In onenon-limiting embodiment, the housing 102 is sized and shaped tocooperate with the panels 18, 20, bottom panel 22 and front and realpanels 24, 26 of the body 12 of the bag 10.

As shown in FIG. 6, the housing 102 may be cuboid or three-dimensionalrectangular prism in shape and include a first sidewall 104, an opposingsecond sidewall 106, a front or forward wall 108 extending between thegenerally vertical portions of the first and second sidewalls 104, 106,a rear wall 110 extending between opposing generally vertical portionsof the first and second sidewalls 104, 106 from the forward wall 108 anda bottom wall 112 cooperating with lower portions of the walls 104, 106,108 and 110. In another embodiment, the housing 102 may be formedwithout a bottom wall 112. In yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 8,the housing 102 of the storage module 100 may be formed in a differentgeometry for use with alternative shaped bags 10.

An opening 114 is provided in housing 102 that cooperates with theopening 70 in the interior portion 16 of the bag 10. The opening 114 maydefined by an upper edge 116 of the first sidewall 104, an upper edge118 of the second sidewall 106, and one or more of an upper edge 120 ofthe forward wall 108 and an upper edge 122 of the rear wall 110. One ormore caddies 124 may be removably secured within the housing 102 as willbe described in greater detail below. The one or more caddies 124 may beconfigured to receive and retain items such as bottles shown in theFigure and the like.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 7, a first storage moduleconfiguration is described and illustrated. In this arrangement, thestorage module 100 includes a storage area within an inner periphery 134of the housing 102 defined between the walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and/or112 of the housing 102. The walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and/or 112 may befabricated of a semi-rigid or rigid material, such as a polymer, metal,cardboard, or the like to provide structural support to the bag andsupport the one or more caddies 124 therein. However, it is alsoappreciated that one or more of the walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and/or 112may be fabricated of a pliable material as to solely provide one or moremounting surfaces for one or more caddies to be described in greaterdetail below. Further, the housing 102 may be formed with walls combinedwith pliable material and/or one or more rigid or semi-rigid walls toachieve the results of the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 7, the walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and/or 112 may befabricated from a polymeric material to provide a rigid wall member. Atleast one channel 138 may be formed in one or more surfaces 136 of theinner periphery 134 of the walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and/or 112 housing102. The at least one channel 138 may include a plurality of spacedapart channels 138 provided in the one or more surfaces 136 of the backor rear wall 110 in a generally vertical direction and perpendicular tothe upper edge 122 of the rear wall 110.

The at least one channel 138 may be sized to receive and removablyengage a divider 140 inserted therethrough. The divider 140 may extendat least partially through the inner periphery 134 of the housing 102 ofthe storage module 100 to divide the inner periphery 134 into at least afirst storage area 130 and a second storage area 132. It is appreciatedthat multiple dividers 140 may be inserted into the channels 138 tocreate multiple storage areas 130, 132, 133 as shown in FIG. 8.

The channels 138 may be formed on the inner periphery 134 of one or moreof the walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and/or 112 of the housing 102 andcooperate to removably engage the dividers 140. As shown in FIGS. 7 and8, the bottom wall 112 may include one or more channels 138′ extendinggenerally horizontally on the bottom wall 112 that are positioned toalign with the channels 138 on the back or rear wall 110 of the housing102. Further, the forward wall 108 may include a plurality of spacedapart channels 138″ provided in the one or more surfaces 136 in agenerally vertical direction and perpendicular to the upper edge 120 ofthe forward wall 108 that align with channels 138 on the rear wall 110and channels 138′ on the bottom wall 112 to receive the divider 140therein. It is appreciated that channels 138, 138′ and 138″ may beprovided in any of the walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and/or 112 of thehousing 102 in various quantities, positions and configurations toaccommodate the design requirements of the storage module 100.

The one or more caddies 124 may be sized to be at least partiallyreceived and stored within the inner periphery 134 of the housing 102.In one non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the one or morecaddies may include a caddy 142 configured to retain and enclose atleast one item therein. The one or more caddies may be formed of rigidor semi-rigid polymeric materials to provide structural support foritems stored therein.

The caddy 142 defines one or more exterior surfaces. The exteriorsurfaces of the caddy may include at least a front wall 144, an opposingback wall 146, a first sidewall 148, a second sidewall 150 opposite thefirst sidewall 148, a bottom 152 attached to the walls 144, 146, 148 and150 and/or a top 154. It is appreciated that the caddy may include oneor multiple of the surfaces defined herein. The exterior surfaces of thecaddy cooperate to define an interior region of the caddy therebetween.

The caddy 142 includes a fastening arrangement 156 such as a zipper orthe like that, when deployed, encloses storage compartment (not shown)in the interior region of the caddy between the walls 144, 146, 148,150, bottom 152 and top 154. The storage compartment may be insulated tocool and protect perishables stored therein or may be used to retainother non-perishable objects therein. As described above, the caddy 142may be sized to be received and stored within the inner periphery 134 ofthe housing 102 of the storage module 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, one embodiment of at least one retentionmechanism 160 for use with the storage module 100 is illustrated anddisclosed. The at least one retention mechanism 160 is configured toreleasably engage a portion of the housing 102 of the storage module 100and a portion of the one or more caddies 124 to removably secure thecaddies 124 relative to the housing 102 in the storage area of theinterior portion 16 of the body 12 of the bag 10.

The at least one retention mechanism 160 illustrated in FIG. 9 includesa body 162 having a first or upper portion 164 and a second or lowerportion 166. A first arm 168 extends from the first or upper portion 164of the body 162 of the mechanism 160 and is spaced apart from the body162 by an opening 170 disposed therebetween. In one non-limitingexample, a locking member or projection 172 may be disposed on oradjacent a distal end 174 of the first arm 168. The projection 172 maybe disposed on the first arm 168 adjacent the opening 170.

A second arm 176 extends from the second or lower portion 166 of thebody 162. The second arm 176 is spaced apart from the body 162 to createan opening 178 therebetween. As shown in FIG. 9, the second arm 176 maybe disposed on an opposing side of the body 162 of the retentionmechanism 160 from the first arm 168, thereby creating a generallyS-shaped arrangement. The distal end 180 of the second arm 176 mayincorporate an engagement surface 182 that is disposed adjacent theopening 178.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10C, the interconnectivity of the at leastone retention mechanism 160 to a portion of the one or more caddies 124is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 10A, the second arm 176 extending fromthe second or lower portion 166 of the retention mechanism 160 is shownproximate a portion 184 of the caddy 124. The portion 184 of the caddy124 includes an aperture 186 formed therein that is sized to receive thesecond arm 176 of the retention mechanism 160. The inner surface 188 ofthe portion 184 of the caddy 124 may additionally include a matingsurface 190 that may receive engage a portion of the engagement surface182 on the second arm 176.

Referring now to FIG. 10B, the second arm is inserted through theaperture 186 to position the engagement surface 182 proximate the matingsurface 190. In this arrangement, the opening 178 between the body 162and second arm 176 of the retention mechanism is sized to receive theportion 184 of the caddy 124 therebetween. In one embodiment shown inFIG. 10C, the engagement surface 182 of the second arm 176 is sized andshaped to releasably engage the mating surface 190 to secure theretention mechanism 160 to the caddy 124.

It is understood that the portion 184 may be a section of any one ormore of the walls 144, 146, 148, 150, 152 and/or 154 of the caddy 124.For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the retention mechanism 160 may beremovably secured to a portion of the first sidewall 148 of the caddy142. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the retention mechanism160 may be removably secured to a back wall 146 of the caddy 142.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11B, one non-limiting embodiment forconnection of the upper portion of the retention mechanism 160 to thehousing 102 of the storage module 100, and thereby, the one or morecaddies 124, is illustrated and disclosed. FIG. 11A illustrates aretention mechanism 160 with the lower portion 166 and second arm 176releasably secured to the caddy 124. The upper portion 164 extendingfrom the body 162 of the retention mechanism is positioned proximate anupper edge of the housing 102.

For reference purposes only, the rear wall 110 of the housing 102 willbe described herein. However, it is appreciated that the arrangement forconnecting the retention mechanism 160 to the housing 102 may beimplemented with any of the walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and/or 112 of thehousing 102. The opening 170 between the body 162 and first arm 168 issized to receive and cooperate with the rear wall 110 of the housing102.

In one non-limiting example of the disclosure, an outer surface 192 ofthe rear wall 110 may include at least one receiving area 194 disposedproximate the upper edge 122 of the rear wall 110. The at least onereceiving area 194 may be sized to releasably engage the locking memberor projection 172 extending from the distal end 174 of the first arm168. As is shown in FIG. 11B, the projection 172 engages the at leastone receiving area 194, thereby positioning the first arm 168 adjacentthe outer surface 192 and the body 162 of the retention mechanismadjacent an inner surface 196 of the rear wall 110 to secure the caddy124 to the housing 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12D, yet another embodiment of the at leastone retention mechanism for releasably securing the one or more caddies124 to the housing 102 of the storage module 100 is described. It isalso contemplated that the retention mechanisms described herein may beused to releasably secure the one or more caddies 124 to a portion ofthe interior portion 16 of the bag 10 as will be described in greaterdetail below.

A first fastening member 204 cooperates with and extends from a portion202 of the housing 102 of the storage module 100. A second fasteningmember 206 cooperates with and extends from a portion of the one or morecaddies 124. The second fastening member 206 may be configured to atleast partially engage the first fastening member 204 to removablysecure the one or more caddies 124 adjacent the housing 102 of thestorage module 100.

In one non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 12A-12D, the first fasteningmember 204 may be a mechanical fastener such as a female or receivingclip member while a second fastening member 206 extending from a portionof the one or more caddies 124 may be a mechanical fastener such as amale or engagement clip as shown in FIG. 12B. While a mechanical clipfastening arrangement is shown in the FIG. 12, it is understood thatalternative fastening arrangements may be used to accomplish theobjectives of the disclosure. For example, alternative fasteningarrangements may include, but are not limited to, hook and loopfasteners, mechanical button snap fasteners, male/female magneticfasteners and the like.

A pocket 208 may be formed on the interior of the housing 102 that isconfigured to at least partially receive the first fastening member 204when the member 204 is not in use to releasably engage the secondfastening member 206 to secure the one or more caddies 124 adjacent thehousing 102. Referring now to FIGS. 12C and 12D, the one or more caddies124 is shown positioned proximate the housing 102 of the storage module100. In this position, the first fastening member 204 receives andsecures the second fastening member 206 to secure the caddy 124 to thehousing 102. In one embodiment, the first fastening member 204 isadjustable such that the first fastening member 204 is positionedadjacent the portion 202 such that the member 204 is generally flushwith the portion 202 to minimize the distance between the caddy 124 andhousing 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, another embodiment of the one or morecaddies for use in the storage module 100 of the convertible bag 10 isprovided. The caddy 210 may be sized to be at least partially receivedand stored within the inner periphery 134 of the housing 102 of thestorage module 100. In one non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS.13A-13D and 14A-15B, the one or more caddies 124 may include a caddy 210configured to retain and enclose items therein and is adjustable betweenat least a closed or stored position as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13D anda second or deployed position as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B.

The caddy 210 includes a front wall 212, an opposing back wall 214, afirst sidewall 216, a second sidewall 218 opposite the first sidewall216 and a bottom 220 attached to the walls 212, 214, 216 and 218. Thecaddy 210 may be constructed from pliable or semi-rigid cotton,polymeric materials, leather, nylon or other synthetic materials and mayfurther include decorative patterns, a combination of materials, use ofa variety of textures and other decorative features.

As best shown in FIGS. 13A and 14A, the front wall 212 may include arecess 222 provided therein that is sized to receive and support aremovable package dispenser 224, such as a disposable wipe dispenser orthe like. A strap 226 includes a first segment 228 having a first end230 disposed on an upper portion of the exterior or interior of thefront wall 212 and a second end terminating at a first fastening member234.

A second segment 236 includes a first end 238 disposed on an upperportion of the inner surface of the back wall 214 and a second end 240terminating in a second fastening member 242 configured to releasablyengage the first fastening member 234. One or more of the segments 228,236 of strap 226 may be adjustable in length. The strap 226 may act as ahandle for a user to carry the caddy 210. Alternatively, the strap 226may provide a barrier to retain items stored within a storage area 244formed within the caddy 210.

Referring now to FIGS. 13B, 13D and 15A, the back or rear wall 214 ofthe caddy may include a retention mechanism 246 extending from anexterior portion of the back wall 214. The retention mechanism 246 maybe generally U-shaped and include a first portion 248 mounted to theexterior portion of the back wall 214, an opposing second portion 250and a channel 252 formed between the first and second portions 248, 250of the retention mechanism 246. The channel 252 is sized to receive aportion of the housing 102 of the storage module 100 such that thesecond portion 250 engages the housing 102 to secure the caddy 210 inposition in the storage module 100.

A compartment or sleeve 254 is formed in a recess between the exteriorsurface of the back wall 214 and the interior surface of the back wall214 and storage area 244 of the caddy. The sleeve 254 cooperates with anopening 256 provided in an upper edge of the back wall 214 may be sizedto receive a changing pad 258 and/as shown in FIGS. 15A-15C. Thechanging pad 258 may be compacted to be stored in a pouch 260. The pouch260 may be integrally formed or connected to the changing pad 258 or maybe a separate item from the changing pad 258. Alternatively, the pouch260 may include a zipper 262 or other fastener that is used to sealclean or soiled materials, such as diapers or wipes, in the interior orthe pouch 260.

The exterior surface of the back wall 214 of the caddy 210 may furtherinclude one or more sleeves or pockets 264 therein. The pocket 264 issized to receive and secure items therein and may further include azipper 266 to enclose the items within the pocket 264. The storage area244 may also include a pocket 268 sized to receive and secure itemstherein with a zipper 270 to enclose the items within the pocket 268.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A-14B, the caddy 210 is illustrated in a secondor deployed position. The first and second sidewalls 216, 218 eachinclude a forward portion 272 cooperating with the front wall 212 andrear portion 274 cooperating with the back wall 214 that are secured toeach other by a zipper 276 or other fastening arrangement. The forwardand rear portions 272, 274 of the first and second sidewalls 216, 218store sidewalls 278, 280 of the storage area 244 in a compactedposition.

When the zipper 276 is uncoupled, the front and back walls 212, 214 maybe moved away from each other, thereby allowing the sidewalls 278, 280of the storage area 244 to extend to a fully deployed position andincrease the volume of the storage area 244 of the caddy 210. One orboth of the first and second segments 228, 236 of the strap 226 may belengthened as shown in FIG. 14A to allow the strap 226 to be used as ahandle for the caddy 210. A mesh pocket 282 may also be provided in oneor more of the exterior surfaces of the sidewalls 278, 280 to provideadditional storage space when the caddy 210 is positioned in the secondor deployed position.

The caddy 142 includes a fastening arrangement 156 such as a zipper orthe like that, when deployed encloses a storage compartment (not shown)between the walls 144, 146, 148, 150, bottom 152 and top 154. Thestorage compartment may be insulated to cool and protect perishablesstored therein or may be used to retain other non-perishable objectstherein. As described above, the caddy 142 may be sized to be receivedand stored within the inner periphery 134 of the housing 102 of thestorage module 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A-16E, yet another embodiment of the one ormore caddies for use in the storage module of the convertible bag isdisclosed. As described above with other embodiments of the one or morecaddies, caddy 290 may be sized to be at least partially received andstored within the inner periphery 134 of the housing 102 of the storagemodule 100. The caddy 290 includes a body 300 having a front wall 292,an opposing back wall 294, a first sidewall 296, a second sidewall 298opposite the first sidewall 296, and a bottom attached to the walls 292,294, 296 and 298 and a top 302.

As is shown in FIG. 16A, the caddy 290 may include a lower compartment304 and an upper compartment 306. The upper compartment 306 may bepivotally adjusted relative to the lower compartment 304 at thefastening arrangement 316 as shown in FIG. 16E. The lower compartment304 shown in FIG. 16C may include an insulated storage area 308 havingan interior compartment 310 accessible through an opening 312 and sizedto receive a cooling pack or the like. The interior storage area 308 ofthe lower compartment 304 further includes one or more pockets 314formed therein that are configured to receive and store items therein.The lower compartment 304 is enclosable by a fastening arrangement 316.

A strap 318 includes a first end 320 disposed on an upper portion of theexterior of the first sidewall 296 and a second end 322 disposed on anupper portion of exterior of the second sidewall 298. The back or rearwall 294 of the caddy 290 may include a retention mechanism 324extending from an exterior portion of the back wall 214. The retentionmechanism 324 may be generally U-shaped and configured to engage thehousing 102 to secure the caddy 290 in position in the storage module100.

Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16C, an adjustably positionable pocket 326 isdisposed on at least one of the sidewalls 296, 298. The pocket 326 isadjustable between a first position shown in FIG. 16A wherein the pocket326 is placed proximate the sidewalls 296, 298 and at least one secondposition wherein the pocket 326 is moved generally vertically relativeto the caddy 290. The pocket may include a zipper 328 or other fastenerthat is used to retain materials in the interior or the pocket 326. Thecaddy 290 may be constructed from cotton, polymeric materials, leather,nylon or other synthetic materials and may further include decorativepatterns, a combination of materials, use of a variety of textures andother decorative features.

The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive anddescriptive of the disclosure, but the scope of the disclosure isdefined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and otherembodiments for carrying out the claimed disclosure have been describedin detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist forpracticing the disclosure defined in the appended claims. Furthermore,the embodiments shown in the drawings or the characteristics of variousembodiments mentioned in the present description are not necessarily tobe understood as embodiments independent of each other. Rather, it ispossible that each of the characteristics described in one of theexamples of an embodiment may be combined with one or a plurality ofother desired characteristics from other embodiments, resulting in otherembodiments not described in words or by reference to the drawings.Accordingly, such other embodiments fall within the framework of thescope of the appended claims.

1. A convertible bag comprising: a body including an exterior portionand an interior portion having a first panel, an opposing second panel,a bottom panel extending between and cooperating with the first andsecond panels, a front panel extending between the first and secondpanels and an opposing back panel, wherein the interior portion of thebody defines a storage area therebetween; an opening formed in theexterior portion of the body of the bag providing access to the storagearea; a storage module at least partially received within the storagearea of the interior portion of the body of the bag, the storage moduleincluding a housing having a first sidewall, an opposing secondsidewall, and a back wall extending between and cooperating with thefirst and second sidewalls, the first and second sidewalls and back wallcooperating to define an opening therebetween that cooperates with theopening in the exterior portion of the body; one or more caddies atleast partially received within and removably secured to the storagemodule, the one or more caddies defining one or more exterior surfacesand a storage compartment defined in an interior region of the one ormore caddies configured to receive and retain at least one item; and atleast one retention mechanism including a first portion configured toreleasably engage a portion of the storage module housing and a secondportion configured to releasably engage a portion of the one or morecaddies of the one or more caddies to removably secure the one or morecaddies to the storage module in the storage area of the interiorportion of the body of the bag.
 2. The convertible bag of claim 1wherein the storage module further comprises a bottom panel extendingbetween and cooperating with the first and second panels and the backpanel and a front panel disposed opposite the back panel and extendingbetween the first and second panels.
 3. The convertible bag of claim 2wherein the storage module further comprises: at least one channelformed in one or more surfaces of an inner periphery of the storagemodule housing; and at least one divider at least partially received andsupported by the at least one channel, wherein the at least one dividerextends at least partially through the inner periphery of the storagemodule housing to divide the inner periphery into at least a firststorage area and a second storage area.
 4. The convertible bag of claim1 wherein the at least one retention mechanism further comprises: a bodyextending between the first and second portions; a first arm extendingfrom the first portion and spaced apart from the body to define anopening therebetween sized to receive the portion of the housing of thestorage module; and a second arm extending from the second portion andspaced apart from the body to define an opening therebetween sized toreceive the portion of the one or more caddies.
 5. The convertible bagof claim 1 wherein the at least one retention mechanism furthercomprises: a first fastening member cooperating with and extending froma portion of the housing of the storage module; and a second fasteningmember cooperating with and extending from a portion of the one or morecaddies, wherein the second fastening member is configured to at leastpartially engage the first fastening member to removably secure the oneor more caddies adjacent the housing of the storage module.
 6. Theconvertible bag of claim 1 further comprising one or more compartmentsdisposed on at least one surface of the exterior portion of the body ofthe bag.
 7. The convertible bag of claim 6 wherein the one or morecompartments further comprise an auxiliary pouch including a housinghaving a first side cooperating with the front panel of the bag, anopposing second side, an interior storage area defined between the firstand second sides and a closure arrangement provided on each of the firstand second sides cooperating to seal the interior storage area.
 8. Theconvertible bag of claim 1 wherein the one or more caddies furthercomprises a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, a front wallextending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, aback wall opposing the front wall extending between and cooperating withthe first and second sidewalls, a bottom cooperating with the opposingfirst and second sidewalls and opposing front and back walls and anopening disposed opposite the bottom formed between the opposing firstand second sidewalls and opposing front and back walls.
 9. Theconvertible bag of claim 8 wherein the one or more caddies is formed ofrigid polymeric materials.
 10. The convertible bag of claim 8 whereinthe one or more caddies is formed of pliable synthetic materials. 11.The convertible bag of claim 1 wherein the one or more caddies furthercomprises a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, a front wallextending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, aback wall opposing the front wall extending between and cooperating withthe first and second sidewalls, a bottom cooperating with the opposingfirst and second sidewalls and opposing front and back walls and a topat least partially enclosing the storage compartment disposed oppositethe bottom, wherein the storage compartment is configured to receive andretain perishable items therein.
 12. A storage arrangement for use in aninterior portion of a convertible bag comprising: a storage moduleincluding a housing having a first sidewall, an opposing secondsidewall, and a back wall extending between and cooperating with thefirst and second sidewalls, the first and second sidewalls and back wallcooperating to define an opening therebetween that cooperates with anopening in an exterior portion of the convertible bag; one or morecaddies at least partially received within and removably secured to thestorage module, the one or more caddies defining one or more exteriorsurfaces and a storage compartment defined in an interior region of theone or more caddies configured to receive and retain at least one item;and at least one retention mechanism includes a first portion configuredto releasably engage a portion of the storage module housing and asecond portion configured to releasably engage a portion of the one ormore caddies to removably secure the one or more caddies to the storagemodule in a storage area of an interior portion of the convertible bag.13. The storage arrangement of claim 12 wherein the storage modulefurther comprises a bottom wall extending between and cooperating withthe first and second sidewalls and the back wall and a front walldisposed opposite the back wall and extending between the first andsecond sidewalls.
 14. The storage arrangement of claim 13 wherein thestorage module further comprises: at least one channel formed in one ormore surfaces of an inner periphery of the storage module housing; andat least one divider at least partially received and supported by the atleast one channel, wherein the at least one divider extends at leastpartially through the inner periphery of the storage module housing todivide the inner periphery into at least a first storage area and asecond storage area.
 15. The storage arrangement of claim 12 wherein theone or more caddies further comprises a first sidewall, an opposingsecond sidewall, a front wall extending between and cooperating with thefirst and second sidewalls, a back wall opposing the front wallextending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, abottom cooperating with the opposing first and second sidewalls andopposing front and back walls and an opening disposed opposite thebottom formed between the opposing first and second sidewalls andopposing front and back walls.
 16. The storage arrangement of claim 12wherein the one or more caddies further comprises a first sidewall, anopposing second sidewall, a front wall extending between and cooperatingwith the first and second sidewalls, a back wall opposing the front wallextending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, abottom cooperating with the opposing first and second sidewalls andopposing front and back walls and a top at least partially enclosing thestorage compartment disposed opposite the bottom, wherein the storagecompartment is configured to receive and retain perishable itemstherein.
 17. A convertible bag comprising: a body including an exteriorportion and an interior portion having a first panel, an opposing secondpanel, a bottom panel extending between and cooperating with the firstand second panels, a front panel extending between the first and secondpanels and an opposing back panel, wherein the interior portion of thebody defines a storage area therebetween; one or more compartmentsdisposed on at least one surface of the exterior portion of the body ofthe bag, wherein the one or more compartments includes an auxiliarypouch including a housing having a first side cooperating with the frontpanel of the bag, an opposing second side, an interior storage areadefined between the first and second sides and a closure arrangementprovided on each of the first and second sides cooperating to seal theinterior storage area; an opening formed in the exterior portion of thebody of the bag providing access to the storage area; a storage moduleat least partially received within the storage area of the interiorportion of the body of the bag, the storage module including a housinghaving a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, a back wallextending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, abottom wall extending between and cooperating with the first and secondsidewalls and the back wall and a front wall disposed opposite the backwall and extending between the first and second sidewalls, wherein thefirst and second sidewalls, front wall and back wall define an openingtherebetween that cooperates with the opening in the exterior portion ofthe body; and at least one retention mechanism including a first portionconfigured to releasably engage a portion of the storage module housingand a second portion configured to releasably engage a portion of one ormore caddies to removably secure the one or more caddies to the storagemodule in the storage area of the interior portion of the body of thebag.
 18. The convertible bag of claim 17 wherein the storage modulefurther comprises: at least one channel formed in one or more surfacesof an inner periphery of the storage module housing; and at least onedivider at least partially received and supported by the at least onechannel, wherein the at least one divider extends at least partiallythrough the inner periphery of the storage module housing to divide theinner periphery into at least a first storage area and a second storagearea.
 19. The convertible bag of claim 17 wherein the at least oneretention mechanism further comprises: a body extending between thefirst and second portions; a first arm extending from the first portionand spaced apart from the body to define an opening therebetween sizedto receive the portion of the housing of the storage module; and asecond arm extending from the second portion and spaced apart from thebody to define an opening therebetween sized to receive the portion ofthe one or more caddies.
 20. The convertible bag of claim 17 wherein theat least one retention mechanism further comprises: a first fasteningmember cooperating with and extending from a portion of the housing ofthe storage module; and a second fastening member cooperating with andextending from a portion of the one or more caddies, wherein the secondfastening member is configured to at least partially engage the firstfastening member to removably secure the one or more caddies adjacentthe housing of the storage module.